To soothe sore throats and coughs

Over-the-counter (dextromethorphan) or prescription (codeine) cough suppressants can help sleeping.

To ease congestion

Breathe moist air from a hot shower, humidifier or vaporizer to moisten and soothe airways.

Nasal saline drops, vapor rub or decongestants may help.

Turn off your heater and even open the window at night, but bundle up so your body stays warm. Cold air doesn't cause colds. Viruses from other people do. Hot, dry air causes the respiratory tract to increase mucus production to keep the airways moist. Cool, moist air will help reduce congestion and coughing.

Emergency staff commonly see calm, alert-looking infants and children whose parents rushed them to the ER at 2 a.m. because they were "coughing and gasping for air." They probably were, but by getting them out of their hot, dry house (which the parents assumed was helping them) into the cool, foggy night on the way to the ER, their parents cured them.

To reduce fever, pain

Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, but avoid aspirin-containing products for anyone under 20 years old.

Seek medical attention in these situations

Infants younger than 3 months old with a temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher.

A persistent high fever (skin that is hot to the touch) that lasts more than a few days, especially if a person also has a stiff neck, shaking chills, confusion, low fluid intake, or an inability to wake up.

Frequent vomiting lasting for more than 25 hours in adults or 12 hours in children.